On Saturday, February 20 at 2:49 PM the Dousman Fire District responded to a reported chimney fire which was contained to the chimney at S2875 Waterville Road in the Town of Ottawa. The fire was reported by the resident who noticed light smoke coming from their chimney.

When the fire department arrived all occupants were out of the house.

As crews attempted to attack the fire it was determined that the fire was in the attic. Heavy smoke was present on all sides of the house. Crews attempted to gain access to the attic via the eves and soffits, however all access to this area was sealed solid and not accessible. Interior crews attempted to make access through the ceiling, but the residence did not have any access points and the ceiling was constructed of tongue and groove boards which were attached directly to the rafters.

After fighting the fire for 30 minutes heavy flames were coming from the middle of the roof and all interior crews were evacuated from the residence and an aggressive defensive attack was completed from the exterior of the building. Truck 71 used the aerial to knock down the heavy flames.

The fire was determined under control at 4:15 PM after two additional fire departments assisted the Dousman Fire District.

The incident lasted for approximately four hours. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but appears that it started in the area of the chimney and spread into the attic and across the roof line. The estimated loss to the structure is $250,000.

No injuries were reported to the occupants or fire personnel.